AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
2008 AFH "Dear Provider" Letters
September 1, 2008
ADSA: AFH #2008-018
Influenza and pneumonia shot reminders
Dear Adult Family Home Provider:
Influenza (flu) and pneumonia season is almost here. Residential Care Services is working with the Department of Health Immunization Program CHILD Profile to remind providers about the benefits of vaccinating residents and employees against the flu. We encourage you to start planning now for how to protect your residents and staff against this potentially serious and preventable disease.
Over 50 percent of hospitalizations and 90 percent of flu-related deaths occur among adults over age 65 years. Pneumonia kills more people every year than all other vaccine-preventable diseases combined. Flu and pneumonia shots can decrease the rate of hospitalizations and deaths from these diseases. Please see the attached fact sheet and resources for important information on these vaccines.
Thank you for your continued commitment to the adult family home residents in the state of Washington.
Sincerely,
Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director
Residential Care Services
Department of Social and Health Services
Janna Bardi, MPH
Immunization Program CHILD Profile Manager
Washington State Department of Health
Enclosures:
Flu and Pneumonia Shots for Boarding Home Residents
Who should receive the flu and pneumococcal (“pneumonia”) shots?
Flu shots are recommended for people 50 years and older and for people of any age who have medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer that place them at high risk for complications from both flu and pneumococcal diseases.
Pneumonia shots are recommended for people 65 and older and for people with chronic conditions or weakened immune systems. Some people need two doses of this vaccine.
Long-term care residents, because of their age and underlying health conditions, are especially vulnerable to flu and pneumococcal diseases. To prevent outbreaks in boarding homes, all residents and staff should receive an annual flu shot. Vaccinating staff against the flu can help prevent the spread of flu to residents and reduce work absences.
When should boarding home residents receive flu shots?
Residents should get a flu shot every year. Flu season in Washington usually peaks between January and March, so long term care residents can get their flu shot in October, November, and later.
When should boarding home residents receive pneumonia shots?
Flu season is a good time for residents to get their pneumonia shot. This vaccine is usually only needed once per lifetime. Certain people may need a second pneumonia shot. You can find more information on pneumonia shot recommendations at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr4608.pdf.
How can I help residents and staff get the shots that they need?
You can help your residents, their families, and staff access local resources that provide flu and pneumonia shots. Ask your residents’ attending physician’s office first to see if they can provide these shots.
To locate an immunization clinic in your community:
- Call your local health department. Find your local health department’s contact information at www.doh.wa.gov/LHJMap/LHJMap.htm.
- Check the American Lung Association Flu Clinic Locator at www.flucliniclocator.org.
- Call your local pharmacy. Licensed nurses and pharmacists who have been certified for vaccine administration may give these vaccines with a physician’s order.
- Set up a vaccine clinic at your location – see the attached resource list for immunization providers who can hold a clinic at your facility.
How else can I help prevent/control flu or pneumonia outbreaks?
Remind staff to consistently use good infection control techniques, including proper hand washing and respiratory etiquette. The list of resources provided with this letter includes links to additional information and educational materials like the “Cover Your Cough” poster which shows additional ways to reduce the spread of respiratory diseases. Visitors can also spread diseases, so it is important that they understand and practice good health manners as well.
What documentation is important for flu and pneumonia shots?
We suggest that you keep a record of the shots that your residents receive. This allows you to track the vaccination status of your residents and provides important medical history in the event that a resident is hospitalized or transferred, or if an outbreak occurs.
How are flu and pneumonia shots paid for?
These shots are covered by Medicare Part B, Medicaid, and many other insurance plans. Check the policies of applicable carriers. Flu vaccinations may also be available at your local pharmacy and are reimbursable by Medicaid for eligible members.
Who should I call if multiple residents or staff are diagnosed with the flu?
Call your local health department. The local health department generally calls the department’s complaint hotline at 1-800-562-6078 to report the outbreak.
Who should I call if I have questions?
Contact your local health department if you have questions about flu and pneumonia shots. If your questions are related to infection control regulations, please call your RCS Field Manager.
Flu and Pneumonia Resources
Locating Immunizations for Residents & Staff
The following resources may help you locate flu and pneumonia shots for your residents and staff.
- Washington State Local Health Jurisdictions
www.doh.wa.gov/LHJMap/LHJMap.htm - American Lung Association Flu Clinic Locator
www.FluClinicLocator.org - Area Agencies on Aging
www.agingwashington.org/ - Senior Information and Assistance
www.adsa.dshs.wa.gov/pubinfo/services/default.htm
Mass Immunization Providers
These providers can administer immunizations on-site to your residents and staff.
- GetAFluShot.com 8
(Toll free 1-877–FLU-SHOT (1-877-358-7468)
Office 1-503-258-9800
Director@getaflushot.com - Maxim Health Systems
www.maxhealth.com
www.findaflushot.com
(206-523-8700
maximinfo@maxhealth.com - PreventionMD
www.preventionmd.com
(1-800-346-4915 x. 204 - Visiting Nurse Services
www.vnsnw.com
1-800-449-2221
info@vnsnw.com
Insurance Resources
The following resources can help you answer questions related to immunization benefits and coverage.
- Medicaid
http://fortress.wa.gov/dshs/maa/index.html
(1-800-562-3022) - Medicare - Adult Immunization Resources for Providers
www.cms.hhs.gov/AdultImmunizations/02_Providerresources.asp#TopOfPage
(1-877-267-2323
- Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisor
http://www.insurance.wa.gov/shiba/index.shtml
(1-800-562-6900
Immunization Information & Educational Materials
Washington State Department of Health
- 1-866-397-0337 Outside Olympia
- 360-236-3595 In Greater Olympia area
- Adult Immunizations
- Flu News
Check this website often during flu season for regular influenza updates, links to Influenza Vaccine Information Statements, flu screening tools, and more.
Immunization Action Coalition
- Standing Orders
- Influenza Immunization Declination Form
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- (1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)
- National Immunization Program
- www.cdc.gov/vaccines
On this website you can find general information about vaccines, the diseases they prevent, and educational materials available to download or order.
- www.cdc.gov/vaccines
- Influenza (flu)
- www.cdc.gov/flu
This website includes a wealth of information on influenza, including vaccination recommendations, educational materials, and infection control guidelines. The Cover Your Cough poster can be downloaded from this website.
- www.cdc.gov/flu
- Vaccine Information Statements
- Prevention & Control of Vaccine Preventable Diseases in Long Term Care Facilities www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/downloads/bk_long-term-care.pdf
- Pneumococcal Disease
Immunization Action Coalition of Washington
